Hydraulic system for machine tools



May 23, 1944. i W. Q BALDENHQFER 2,349,602

vHYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR MACHINE TOOLS Filed March 9, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet l May 23 W4@ v vv. G. BALDENHor-'ER 2,349,692

HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR MACHINE TOOLS Fned'marcn 9, 1942 2 sheetssheet 2 INVENTOQ WILLIAM G. BALDENHOFE'Q as JWM/Jam ATTDRNDS Patented May 23, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR MACHINE TOOLS Application March 9, 1942, Serial No. 433,953

6 Claims.

The present invention relates to machines having power-driven reciprocatory parts, and more particularly to hydraulically-operated grinding machines and other mechanism for shaping material to a predetermined form or dimension.

In the case of heavy grinding machines, particularly those of the high precision type, the table is usually actuated by a hydraulic piston, and inasmuch as the table operates at a fairly fast speed it is necessary to slow the moving parts down before they reach the end of their travel. Any over-travel, due to table momentum, may cause severe damage to the operating cylinders, piston rods and their attachments. This danger is even more pronounced when the cylinder is working on a blind end spline, i. e. a groove which is closed at one end, or where a wheel dresser is secured to the table and may strike the grinding wheel if the table were moved through an eX- cessive distance.

The primary object of the invention is to provide improved mechanism for retarding a heavy moving mass of metal in any desired amount, and at any predetermined position in its travel.

Another object is to provide a hydraulic system including automatically operating valves for diminishing the speed of a heavy reciprocatory mass of metal at any desired point in its travel.

Still another object is to provide an improved mechanism operating in connection with a hydraulically-actuated reciprocatory table for retarding the movement of the table immediately prior to the reversal of travel, or at any other time.

Another object is to provide an improved hydraulic system of the type referred to, by which the retarding eiects on the table may be brought about automatically and in an adjustable manner. 1 A more general object is to provide mechanism of simplified and eliicient design for operating in connection with a grinder of the hydraulicallyactuated table type, and serving to retard the table or other reciprocatory part in any desired amount.

These objects are carried out, in brief, by providing a fluid throttling valve connected either in the pressure or exhaust side of the tableoperating cylinder, and automatically made effective when the table has reached a predetermined point in its travel.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 represents a side elevational view of a typical grinding machine with the bed in section, and containing the table-actuating structure and the improved table-retarding mechanism. The electrical control circuit is also shown in Figure 1.

Figure 2 is a View similar to Figure 1, but showing a modified form of the retarding mechanism.

Figure 3 illustrates the improved retarding mechanism positioned within the hydraulic circuit differently than in Figures 1 and 2.

Referring more particularly to Figure 1, reference numeral I designates a hollow box-like castingr which serves as a bed for the machine typically illustrated as a grinder. Positioned directly over the bed and supported on frictionless bearings there is a table 2 which is adapted to be reciprocated in any suitable manner which is exemplified as a hydraulic motor 3. The work which is to be ground is illustrated as a block of metal i secured to the table in any suitable manner. A grinding wheel 5 is positioned above the metal block, this grinding wheel being actuated preferably by an electric motor (not shown). The Wheel is illustrated as entering the workpiece 4 for a distance below the top surface of the workpiece, the character of the work being such that the Wheel is grinding a groove or spline in the workpiece.

The table 2 is caused to be moved back and forth by a hydraulic cylinder 6 which extends along the upper surface of the base I and is suitably supported thereon, as illustrated, by the lugs 1. The cylinder 6 contains a double-acting piston 8 secured to one end of a piston rod 9, this rod being adapted to slide in suitable bearings provided within the cylinder 6. The rod is fixedly secured to an angle piece I by the nuts I I, which angle piece is rigidly mounted on the table 2. Thus as pressure fluid is alternately admitted to each side of the piston 8 the rod 9 is moved rst in one direction and then in the other to carry the table 2 and the workpiece Il past the grinding wheel 5.

In order to reverse the table at each end of its stroke, a pair of dogs I2 is suitably positioned on the side of the table, these dogs being preferably carried on a slide I3 on which they are adjustably mounted. The dogs successively strike a lever I4 which makes suitable adjustments within a hydraulic system, described hereinafter, in order to cause the admission of pressure uid first to one'side of the piston 8 and then to the other side, thus moving the table 2 in a reciprocatory manner. It is apparent that the table 2 is usually quite heavy, and in the case of a grinder may move in the left and right-hand directions at a fairly fast rate. Thus the momentum of the table is considerable at the time the dogs l2 strike the lever I4 for reversal of movement. In case the grinding wheel is working on a so-called blind spline or slot, in which the spline is open only at one end, it is absolutely necessary that there shall be not the slightest over-travel of the table but that the machine will reverse its operation the instant the grinding wheel reaches the end of the spline or groove. This criticalness in the point of table reversal is even more pronounced when obstructions are on the table, for example a wheel dresser, which is usually so positioned that when there is a small amount of over-travel the obstruction may strike the wheel and cause severe damage. The present invention is directed more especially to an improved hydraulically-actuated system, which automatically provides for a retardation in the movement of the table immediately before the point of reversal so that when the table reaches this point its speed of movement is relatively small and there is no danger of over-travel.

Improved hydraulic circuit The hydraulic circuit is contained entirely within the bed l. The primary source of fluid pressure consists of an oil pump I5 which may be actuated by a three-phase electric motor, as indicated by the three conductors l5, Il and I8. These conductors are connected through electric switch gear I9 to a source of three-phase current indicated by the Wires 25, 2| and 22. The details of the switch gear form no part of the present invention but for the sake of completeness of disclosure will be described under a separate heading.

The bottom of the base contains a supply of oil or other substantially incompressible iuid. A conduit 23 leads from this oil supply to the suction side of the pump i5. A pipe 24 is taken from the high pressure side of the pump to a control valve mechanism 25. From this mechanism there extends two pipes 25 and 21, the pipe 26 being connected to a so-called master valve 28 which controls the admission of pressure fluid to the opposite sides of the piston 3. The pipe 2l is connected through suitable valves and conduits (not shown) to a cylinder and contained piston for moving the grinding wheel 5 crosswise of the workpiece. Inasmuch as this mechanism for crosswise movement is well known in the art, no illustration or description is necessary although in Figure 2 a view of the parts of the mechanism has been shown. It will be understood that this illustration of the parts of this mechanism and the following description thereof has reference to details of the crosswise movement of the grinding wheel contemplated for use with the hydraulic circuit of Figure l, as well as that shown in Figure 2.

Referring to Figure 2, the Wheel 5 is contained within a circular guard 23 and is carried on a slide 33 provided with beveled edges. This slide is adapted to move within a pair of oppositely positioned V-shaped grooves provided in a saddle 3| which forms part of a carrier 32. The tongue 3D may be moved with respect to the saddle 3| by means of a hydraulic cylinder and piston contained within the saddle, and connections are made between the control valve 25 and the cylinder through the pipe 27. The tongue 30 may also be moved manually, if desired, by means of a hand wheel 33, in which case the hydraulic motor is locked out by means of a lever 34. The

carrier 32 is adapted to slide upwardly and downwardly on a column upright 35 to which it is suitably gibbed, as is Well known in the art, in order to control the height of the grinding wheel with respect to the workpiece. The control valve mechanism 25 (Figure 1) is provided with a pair of hand-operated levers 35 and 31, the lever 36 controlling the admission of pressure fluid to the conduit 2l in order to regulate the admission of pressure fluid to the cylinder which moves the tongue 33 (Figure 2) in the transverse direction. The member 3l is the so-called table-control lever and is usually provided with three positions, i. e. continuous feed, intermittent feed and the unloading position for controlling the movement and direction of flow of pressure iiuid through the pipe 25.

The master valve 28 is of the standard and well known type, having a movable valve member which terminates at the ends in a pair of pistons (not shown) contained within the cham,- bers 38, 33. Pressure fluid is. supplied alternately to these pistons through a pair of conduits 4U, 4| which are connected to an auxiliary valve 42 of any well known and suitable type. A conduit 43 is taken from the center of the valve 42 and connected with the pipe 24. The valve 42 is provided with a reciprocatory valve member or spool (not shown), to which a rod 44 is connected. This rod is pivotably secured to the lever I4. The latter is pivoted at 45, and the arrangement is such that as either of the dogs I2 strikes the lever the valve member within the auxiliary valve 42 is caused to move to the right or left and thus to supply pressure fluid either to the conduit'le or the conduit 4|. Consequently, as the lever i4 is moved in this manner the valve member in the main valve 2B is actuated toward the right or left, depending on the direction in which the lever |4 is actuated by the dogs l2 on the table. Conduits 45 and 4l are connected to the main valve 28, and so arranged that as the valve element is moved to the right or left, in the manner described hereinbefore, pressure fluid from the pipe 25 is delivered to the conduit 46 or the conduit 47 in order to move the table-actuating piston 8 either to the right or left. It will be understood that when one of these conduits is acting as a pressure supply the other conduit is serving to conduct exhaust fluid from the opposite side of the piston 8. The exhaust from either side of the piston 8 is taken through one of a pair of pipes 48 which connect with a common pipe 49, the lastmentioned pipe terminating in a branched line, one branch of which is connected to a so-called retarding valve 5i) and the other passes through a needle valve 5| to the oil reservoir.

The present invention is directed more espe: cially to the retarding valve 50, particularly to its position within the hydraulic circuit and the relation of the associated valves therewith. The purpose of the retarding valve is automatically to slow down the movement of the table-actuating piston 8 at a predetermined point in the travel of the table in order to prevent over-travel. The valve 53 may comprise a cylindrical casing 52 having closure or end plates 53 and containing a valve element 54 of the spool type, with pistons 55 and 55 at opposite ends thereof. A pipe 5l is taken from the upper end of the valve casing 52 to a solenoid-operated pilot valve 58. The pilot valve contains a spool valve element 59, to which is connected a rod Gil terminating in an armature (not shown) which forms the movable core of an electromagnet indicated at 6l. The valve member 59 is provided with a pair of pistons 62, 63, andas shown the conduit 51 connects with the valve casing at a position just above the upper piston B2.

A conduit 64 is taken from the valve casing at a position'between the pistons 62, 63, through a needle valve 65 to the lower end of the retarding valve 50. The high pressure conduit 24 connects with the casing of the valve 58 at a position between the pistons B2, B3, and preferably on the opposite side of the casing from the conduit 64. An exhaust conduit 56 is connected between the Vupper portion of the valve casing 58 and the oil reservoir. A pipe 61 is also taken from the oil supply through a valve B8 to a pipe 58, which connects with the interior of the retarding valve 50 between the two pistons 55 and 55, as shown. The pipe 61 has an extension 10 which terminates in branches 1I and 12 to provide exhaust passageways for each end of the auxiliary Valve 42. It will be understood in this connection that when pressure fluid is supplied to either of the pipes 40 and 4l upon actuation of the auxiliary valve 42, in the manner described heretofore, the opposite end of the valve 42 is exhausted through either the pipe 12 or the pipe 1|, respectively to the tank reservoir. In order to protect the pump I and the associated hydraulic system from excessive pressure, a relief valve 13 may be shunted around the pump by means of the pipe 14.

Assume that the solenoid 6| is energized in the manner to be described presently, and the pump I5 is supplying high pressure fluid to the pipe 24. The valve element 59 of the pilot Valve 5B is drawn upwardly, as shown, and pressure fluid passes through the pilot valve, from the pipe 24 to the pipe 64 of the retarding valve 50. The spool valve element 54 of the retarding valve is therefore forced upwardly in the position shown in the drawing. Now assume that the lever 81 has been moved to one of its three positions such that pressure fluid from the pipe 24 is admitted to the pipe 26 of the main or master valve 28. Still further assume that the lever I4 has been previously moved to one of its extreme positions by one of the dogs i2 on the table. Under these conditions high pressure iiuid will pass through the auxiliary valve 42, and let us assume that the valve member therein has been moved to such a position as to permit high pressure fluid to move through the conduit 40 into the master valve 28. A path is` therefore provided through the master valve to the pipe 46, for example, so that high pressure fluid is admitted to the left side of the piston 8, thus moving the table from left to right. Under these conditions the righthand branch 48 of the pipe 49 receives the fluid exhausted by the master valve, and this fluid will pass in part through the retarding valve 50 to the exhaust conduit 69, or through the needle valve 5l directly to the reservoir. It is apparent that by controlling the needle valve 5I, any desired portion of the exhaust fluid may pass through the retarding valve 5U, and additional control is exercised at the needle valve 88. Consequently, as little or as much exhaust fluid may be passed through the retarding valve 50 as is desired, and inasmuch as this exhaust fluid originates from the side of the piston 8 opposite the pressure side, any degree of escape of the fluid may be obtained and the piston may therefore be retarded in any desiredamount. The operation of the valve element 54 in the retarding valve may also be such as completely to shut off the connection between the conduits 49 and B9, and assuming that the needle valve 5I is also shut, no pressure uid will escape from the exhaust side of the piston 8. 'Ihus the piston may be retarded in its movement to a much greater degree.

The initiation of the complete stoppage of exhaust fluid is effected at the pilot valve 58 under conditions which will be explained presently. Assume for the moment that the solenoid 6l is deenergized and that the valve element 59 has dropped to its lowermost position. The piston 62 in the pilot valve will now have moved to an intermediate position between the pipes 24 and B4, thus preventing further admission of pressure fluid to the pipe 64. Pressure fluid is now moving between the pipe 24 and the pipe 51, which causes the valve element 54 in the retarding valve 5U to be shifted downwardly. The piston 55 of the last-mentioned valve will now have moved to such a position as completely to cut olf communication between the pipes 48 and 89, so that the only fluid which lmay be exhausted through the pipe 49 is that which passes through the valve 5I. However, the latter may be controlled entirely to shut off the exhaust iiuid or to admit any desired amount of the iiuid.

It is apparent that the oil or other fluid which is trapped on the exhaust side of the piston 8 in this manner serves as a retarding buffer for the piston,l and the further the piston moves in the direction of the trapped fluid the greater will be the backpressure exerted by this fluid on the piston, until eventually the piston is caused t0 come to a complete stop, ready for reversal. The point in the table travel at which the retarding effects are so great as completely to stop the table should preferably be the same point which defines the extreme limit of table travel as determined by the length of the spline or slot being ground in the workpiece 4. At this moment (assuming now that the table has moved to the right to its limit of travel, as explained above) the left-hand dog l2 will now contact the lever I4, shifting it -to the other side of its neutral position. Fluid pressure will be admitted from the pipe 24 through the master valve 28, to the pipe 41 in order to cause the piston 8 to move from right to left. The opposite or lefthand side of the piston is now open to exhaust through the pipe 46, through the master valve 28 and the pipe 49, and through either or both of the retarding valve 50 and the needle valve 5I, depending on whether the solenoid 6| is energized or deenergized. It is apparent that the retarding valve 50 is always connected on the exhaust side of the table-actuating cylinder 6, regardless of the direction in which the piston 8 is being moved. While I have shown the master valve being hydraulically operated through the auxiliary valve 42, it is apparent that if desired the master valve could be operated directly by the lever I4 in case the size of the valve is such asto lend itself to direct or mechanical op'- eration. In order to control the position at which the retarding effects provided by the valve 50 take place along the travel of the table, a pair of adjustably positioned cams 15 is secured tothe table and preferably mounted in the same grooves which hold the dogs I2 in place. These cams are provided with inclined inner and lower surfaces 16 which are adapted to depress a plunger 11 of a switch 18 suitably positioned on the bed of the machine.

.Electrical circuit for controlling the operation of the solenoid pilot calce and ythe main pump motor The switch 18 is normally closed, and is adapted to be opened only when one or the other of the inclined surfaces 16 strikes the plunger 11. The switch contacts are connected through conductors 19 and 80 to a solenoid contactor structure, indicate generally by the dot-dash rectangle 8|. This contactor includes a solenoid 82 provided with a movable armature 83 which carries a plate 84. There is provided at the ends of the plate 84 a pair of structural elements 85 which are insulated from the plate 84 and have a pair of branches which carry switch contacts 86, 81., 88 and 89. These contacts are adapted vphysically to engage contacts 90, 9|, 92 and 93, respectively, when the solenoid 82 is energized and the plate 84 is caused to move upwardly. The conductor 19 is connected to one end of the solenoid 82 and the other end of the solenoid is connected through conductors 94, 95 to the switcn terminal 92. The terminals 86 and 81 are connected together, as are also the terminals 98 and 89. The terminal 9| conductor 96 to one side of the solenoid 6| of the pilot valve, and the other side of the lastmentioned solenoid is connected through Va conductor A91 to the switch terminal 93.

The starter comprises a solenoid 98 provided with a movable core (not shown), to which are secured three electrically independent metal armatures 99, and |0|. These armatures are adapted, when closed, to make Contact with three pairs of electrical terminals, one pair being designated |02, |03, another pair |04, and the last pair |08, |01, respectively. A conductor |08 is taken from the terminal |02, through a pair of overload .relays |09 to the solenoid 98, then :through a conductor ||0 to one of a pair of switch contacts the other of the switch contacts being connected through a conductor ||2 to the left-hand terminal I3 of a starting switch ||4. The right-hand terminal ||5 ofthe starting switch is connected through a conductor ||6 to the right-hand terminal ||1 of a stop switch ||8. The left-hand terminal ||9 of the stop switch ||8 is connected through a conduc- .tor to one of the electric mains 22. The middle main 2| is connected to the contact |04, and the remaining main 20 is connected tothe contact |02. The Wire 94 leading from the solenoid 82 is connected to the terminal |05. A conductor |2| is also taken from the terminal |05, through a circuit breaker or fuse |06 to the wire |1 which leads to the electric motor operating the pump I5. The wire I6 of the pump motor is connected to the Contact member |01. The wire I8 of the pump motor is taken through a circuit breaker or fuse |24 to the switch terminal |03, and a wire is also connected between the switch terminal and the conductor 80. A conductor |26 is connected between the wire ||8 and the right-hand contact of a terminal pair 21, the other terminal of which is oonnected through the conductor |28 with one of the terminals lll. An armature |29 is adapted to move in the vertical direction between each pair of contacts i| and |21, this armature being under the control of the solenoid 98 and normally resting on thecontacts l to close the circuit through the conductor ||2.

Operation of electrical system When it is desired to start the Ypump motor is connected through a the starting switch ||4 is first depressed and a circuit is established from the mains 22, the conductor |20, stop switch ||8, conductor IIS, starting switch I4, conductor .I l2, armature |29, solenoid 98, overload relays |09 back to the other mains 29. The solenoid will then become energized and will cause the armatures 99, |00 and |0| to make contact with their respective pairs of switch terminals |02, |03, also |04 and |05, and finally |06 and |01. A circuit for the pump motor will be established from the main line 20, through armature 99, through fuse |24 and to conductor I8. The circuit of the main line 2| is established through the armature |00, conductor |2 fuse |06, to the line |1. The last line 22 of the three-phase circuit is completed through the armature |0| to the conductor |6. Consequently, when the button of the starting switch Hd is depressed the pump motor Will be immediately energized.

Inasmuch as the switch v| |4 makes only temporary Contact with the terminals ||3 and 5 (while being depressed by the finger) a holding circuit must be established to maintain the energization of the solenoid 98. When the latter becomes energized the armature |29 is moved upwardly against the contacts |21 so that a holding circuit is now established from the mains 22, through the stop switch H3, through the armature |29 (in its upper position), through the conductor |0, solenoid 98, overload relays |09, conductor |08 to the other mains 20. In order to stop the motor it is only necessary to depress the stop switch ||8, which will break the holding circuit and thus deenergize the solenoid 98. The circuit for the protective switch 18 may be traced from the terminal |03, through the conductor |25, switch 18, through the conductor 19 to the solenoid 83, through the conductor 94 to the terminal |05 and the armature |2|, back to the middle mains 2|. Thus when the solenoid 98 is energized the solenoid 82 is also energized, and the switch is effectively in series with the lastrnentioned solenoid.

The circuit for the solenoid 5| of the pilot valve 58 may be traced from the switch terminal |03, through the conductor |25, conductor 80, through the switch contacts 86 and 81 in series, to the conductor 95, through the solenoid 8| to the conductor 91 and through the switches 89 and 88 in series to the conductor S5, back to the switch terminal |05. Inasmuoh as the solenoid 82 is energized when the starter button ||4 is pressed, as described hereinbeiore, the switches 85, 81, 88

. and 89 `are closed and the solenoid 5| becomes energized. As explained hereinbefore, when the solenoid 6| is energized the valve 59 is in its upper position, as shown in Figure 1, high pressure fluid is admitted to the retarding valve to raise the valve element 54 and thus to permit exhaust fluid from the cylinder 6 to drain into the tank.

Assume ynow that the table 2 has almost reached the end of its stroke so that it is desired to retard further movement of the table preparatory to reversing the table, in the manner described hereinbefore.. 'One of the inclined surfaces 16 of the cams 15 will strike the plunger 11 and will open the switch 18 to cause deenergization of the solenoid 82. The switch contacts 89, 81, 88 and '89 will be moved away from their adjacent contacts 90, 9|, 92 and 93, respectively, thus opening the circuit of the solenoid 6| of the pilot valve .58. Under these conditions the valve element 59 will be moved downwardly to permit pressure nuid to pass from the pipe 24 into the pipe 51, and to cause the valve element 54 to drop. The piston 55 closes communication between the pipes 49 and B9, and assuming that the valve is closed, no fluid is permitted to be exhausted by the piston 8. Thus the movement of the piston is retarded in any desired degree by adjusting the valve 5|, nally causing the piston to come to a halt ready to be reversed by the action of the dogs l2 on the lever I4. The operation of the improved system is therefore such that the retarding effects of the valve 52 are obtained either automatically by means of the cams at predetermined fixed positions, or at any desired position throughout the travel of the table 2 by manually or otherwise opening the switch 18. The degree of this retardation may be adjusted at the valve 5|, and to some extent by operating the needle valve 65 which controls the speed with which the valve element 54 is moved within its Cylinder 55.

The system shown in Figure 2 is somewhat similar to that shown in Figure l except that a hydraulic valve is substituted for the electric switch 18, and the solenoid 82 with its immediately associated switch gear has been eliminated. This hydraulic valve is shown at |30 and comprises a casing |36 containing a spool valve element |32. The valve element is provided with valve portions |33, |34 and |35, and carries at one end a pin |36 surrounded by a compression spring |31. The valve element |32 at the other end is provided with a pin |38 which projects through the casing |3| and is adapted to be engaged by the lower leg |39 of a bellcrank lever pivoted at |45 and provided at its upper end with a roller |4|. This roller is adapted to be contacted by the inclined surfaces 15 of the cams 15 so that the valve element |32 may be shifted to the left against the action of the spring |31, or be permitted to assume the position shown in Figure 2, depending on which of the two inclined Ysurfaces-had contacted the roller 4| Those elements appearing in Figure 2 which find a counterpart in Figure 1 have been given similar reference numerals. It will be noted that the conduit 51 which communicates with the upper end of the slow-down valve 5|] is connected to the casing |3| on one side of the middle flange |34, While the conduit 54 which communicates with the lower end of the slow-down valve 5B is connected to the valvecasing I3! on the other side of the middle flange |34. Exhaust conduits |42 communicate with the trip valve |5| at opposite ends of the casing, these conduits being brought to a single drain pipe |43.

'I'he operation of the system shown in Figure 2 is somewhat similar to that explained at length in connection with Figure 1 except that the movement of the valve member 54 in the slow-down valve 50 is controlled hydraulically by pressure fluid ilowing either through the pipe 51 or the pipe 54, depending on the position of the valve element |35 of the trip valve |3|. In the position illustrated in Figure 2 high pressure fluid from the pipe 24 passes through the trip valve |3| to the pipe 54, and causes the valve member 54 of the slow-down valve 55 to move upwardly as shown. thus permitting exhaust liuid within the cylinder 3 to ow through the pipe 49, through the valve 50 into the exhaust pipe 69, The amount of fluid by-passed through the slow-down valve is controlled by the needle valve 5|, which is also connected in a pipe leading to the tank. However, when it is desired to introduce a retarding eiect on the piston 8 the inclined surface 16 of the left-hand cam 15 is caused to contact the roller I4, pushing the pin |38 to the left and also moving the valve element |35 t0 the left. Under these conditions high pressure fluid is supplied from the pipe 24 to the pipe 51, causing the valve element 54 of the retarding valve 5l) to move downwardly and thus to close on the passage between the pipes 49 and 69. Thus no exhaust fluid is permitted to pass through the slow-down valve, and back pressure is developed on the exhaust side of the piston 8 to retard the movement of the table 2.

In Figure 3 there is shown a modification in which the retarding valve 50 is positioned in the high pressure fluid line between the pump I5 and the cylinder 3. A conduit |44 is connected between the high pressure side of the pump i5 and the retarding valve 5i), the dis-charge line |45 of which is connected through the master valve 28 to the exhaust conduits 48 which lead to the exhaust pipe |45. As in the case of Figures 1 and 2, the master valve may be operated either hydraulically through an auxiliary valve 42 (shown in Figures 1 and 2), and conduits 45 and 41 may be taken to the opposite sides of the cylinder 3 to conduct pressure fluid toward and away from the cylinder 3 as in the case of the other figures. Either the switch 18 (Figure l) together with the solenoid pilot valve 58 or the mechanically operated valve |3| (Figure 2), which are actuated by cams secured to the table, may be provided to initiate the operation of the retarding valve 50 and thus to determine whether or not high pressure fluid is permitted to pass through the retarding valve. In case the valve 58 is completely closed off, small amounts of fluid may stillibe transmitted through the needle valve |41 so that a complete control is exercised over the pressurev fluid which passes through the master valve and flows either through the pipe 45 or the pipe 41, into the cylinder 3. It will be apparent in Figure 3 that the retarding valve 50 in this case serves to control the amount of iluid which is supplied to the pressure side of the piston B, and assuming that the pressure fluid on the exhaust side of the piston exerts a constant back pressure, the speed said table, a source of iiuid contained in a tank and a pump for applying pressure to said fluid, a master valve for controlling the passage of pressure fluid to and from said cylinder, 'ai

table-retarding valve having a movable member, said valve being connected to said master valve for receiving fluid exhausted by said cylinder and for controlling the amount of fluid exhausted from said cylinder, an exhaust line leading from the master valve to the tank, said line having a connection to said retarding valve means initiated when the table has reached a predetermined position in its travel for actuating the movable member of said retarding valve in order to control the amount of exhausted iluid, and a by-pass containing a hand-operated valve connected to the opposite ends of the table retarding valve for restricting the passage of fluid from the retarding valve to said tank.

2. A machine comprising a shaping tool and a reciprocatory table for carrying work past said tool, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for moving said table, a source of fluid contained in a tank and a pump for applying pressure to said ud, a master valve for controlling the passage of pressure fluid to and from said cylinder, a tableretarding valve having a movable member, said valve being connected to said master valve for receiving iiuid exhausted by said cylinder and for controlling the amount of uid exhausted from said cylinder, an exhaust line leading from the master valve to the tank, said line having a connection to said retarding valve means initiated when the table has reached a predetermined position in its travel for actuating the movable member of said retarding valve in order to control the amount of exhausted fluid, and a by-pass containing a hand-operated valve connected to the opposite ends of the table retarding valve for restricting the passage of uid from the retarding valve to said tank, a combined electrical hydraulic valve having a hydraulic connection to said retarding valve for controlling the movements of the movable valve element thereof, said means comprising a switch operable by a cam on said table for controlling the combined electricalhydraulic valve which in turn controls the condition of said retarding valve, whereby said cam by its operation of said electrical-hydraulic valve may control the position at which the retarding effects of said retarding valve may take place along the travel of said reciprocatory table.

3. A machine comprising a shaping tool and a reciprocatory table for carrying work past said tool, a hydraulic cylinder and a piston for moving said table, means including a pressure pump and a source of uid for actuating said piston, a master valve for controlling the passage of pressure fluid to and from said cylinder, a tableretarding valve having a movable element, said valve being connected to said master valve for receiving fluid exhausted by said cylinder, means dependent on the relative position of the table with respect to said tool for controlling the condition of said retarding valve, and the position of the movable element thereof an exhaust line connected between said retarding valve and said source of fluid, and a bypass connected to the opposite ends of the table retarding valve having a manually-operated valve to by-pass any desired quantity of exhaust fluid to said retarding valve whereby the retarding eifects exerted on said table through said piston are manually controlled.

4. A grinding machine comprising an abrasive wheel and a reciprocatory table for carrying the work past said wheel, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for moving said table, a source of pressure iiuid for actuating said piston, means for retarding the movement of said piston and table,

said means including a throttling valve connected to the exhaust line from the cylinder to receive and control the passage of uid as it is exhausted by said piston, said vthrottling valve provided with means for hydraulically operating the same and containing a valve member having pistons at the ends, a hydraulic valve provided with means for operating the same when the table has reached a predetermined point in its travel, and hydraulic connections between the last-mentioned valve and the pistons of the throttling valve whereby the condition of the throttling valve is changed when the table has reached said predetermined position in its travel.

5. A grinding machine comprising an abrasive wheel and a reciprocatory table for carrying the work past said wheel, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for moving said table, a source of pressure fluid for actuating said piston, a tank, means for retarding the movement of said piston and table, said means including a throttling valve having pistons subject to hydraulic pressure movable therein, said valve being connected to the exhaust side of the cylinder to receive and control the passage of fluid as it is exhausted by said piston, an electrically controlled hydraulic valve for operating the latter,

said hydraulic valve being provided with means for operating the same when the table has reached a predetermined point in its travel, hydraulic connections between the last-mentioned valve and the pistons of the throttling valve whereby the condition of the throttling valve is changed when the table has reached said predetermined position of travel, and a by-pass containing a hand-Operated valve connected between the throttling valve and the tank for controlling the eiects of said throttling valve.

6. A grinding machine comprising a shaping tool and a reciprocatory table for carrying work past said tool, a hydraulic cylinder and piston for moving said table, a source of fluid contained in a tank and a pump for applying pressure to said fluid, a master valve for controlling the passage of pressure fluid to and from said cylinder, a table-retarding valve connected to said master valve for receiving fluid exhausted by said cylinder, an electrically controlled hydraulic valve and connections between said valve and said pump and between said valve and said table-retarding valve for operating the latter, means initiated when the table has reached a predetermined position in its travel to operate through circuit closing devices and electrical connections said electrically controlled hydraulic valve to eiect operation of the table-retarding valve, and a by-pass containing a hand-oper-v ated valve connected between said retardingvalve and the tank for controlling the effects of said retarding valve.

WILLIAM G. BALDENHOFER. 

